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Nursery at Discovery Academy
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Inspection data and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. Contact the nursery directly to confirm current arrangements. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
A book area, ERIC reading sessions and a library book to share at home give Discovery Academy’s nursery a distinctly story-centred rhythm. This is a 26-place nursery within the academy on Porlock Avenue in Hattersley, for children turning four between 1 September and 31 August of the relevant year. It forms part of the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Children have a nursery teacher and teaching assistants, while the wider early years team works together across the week. For families, the character is a combination of classroom routines, time to explore and reading that continues at home.
Adult-guided activities alternate with time for children to choose and investigate. During teaching sessions, tasks are adjusted to children’s abilities; during independent learning, activities are arranged across indoor and outdoor learning areas for children to use themselves. Adults join children’s learning through questions and interaction. The balance gives children both direction and opportunities to make decisions.
EYFS covers seven areas. In parent language, these bring together talking and listening, movement, social and emotional development, early reading and writing, maths, creative expression and understanding the world. Learning therefore extends beyond early academic skills to how children communicate, manage feelings and explore their surroundings.
Reading has several places in the routine: the book area, ERIC (Everybody Read in Class) and a story at the day’s end. Children visit the school library each week and take a book home to share with an adult. In July 2024, Ofsted found that nursery children enjoyed familiar stories, listened closely and joined in with recognisable phrases. This gives a concrete picture of early reading built around shared enjoyment and participation.
Friday brings PE. Weekly homework letters explain activities to complete, with work due back the following Tuesday, extending the connection between nursery learning and home.
Parents can contribute directly to their child’s learning record. Staff observe children during play, and families can send in Discovered at Home sheets describing something significant, such as a creative achievement or an observation their child has made. These contributions give the team another view of a child’s interests and development.
For concerns about special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), the first contact is the class teacher, followed by the SEND team through the academy office. Across the academy, pastoral support includes a wellbeing mentor and help for families to connect with local services. That provides a route for discussing difficulties alongside classroom support.
Full-time nursery includes a lunch period from 11:45am to 12:45pm. Academy meal choices are managed through the Arbor Parent Portal, and an allergens list is available. Families should obtain current meal charges from the school.
Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place at Discovery Academy. Families must make a separate application: the academy handles nursery applications, while Tameside Council manages Reception through its coordinated admissions process.
The annual online application window opens in November and closes the following January. Apply through Tameside Council’s admissions service. Familiarity with the early years team is part of the nursery experience; it should be kept separate from the decision about a Reception place.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am, with universal provision covering 15 hours each week during term time. Full-time nursery finishes at 2:45pm. The 30-hour weekly option is for families eligible for that funding or families paying a top-up fee. Ask the academy for current charges before choosing that arrangement.
Nursery follows the academy’s term dates. Enquiries and nursery applications go through the academy office on 0161 368 5962.
Uniform is required: dark grey bottoms, a light blue polo shirt and a dark blue sweatshirt or cardigan bearing the academy logo, with black shoes. The polo shirt may be plain. Label clothing, and remove earrings and other jewellery for PE.
It accepts children who turn four between 1 September and 31 August of the relevant year.
Morning nursery runs from 8:45am to 11:45am. Full-time nursery runs from 8:45am to 2:45pm, during term time.
Yes. The 30-hour weekly option is available to families eligible for that funding or families paying a top-up fee. Contact the academy for current charges.
No. A separate application is required through Tameside Council’s coordinated admissions process. The annual online window opens in November and closes the following January.
Share the weekly library book at home and send significant observations or achievements using Discovered at Home sheets. Weekly homework letters explain the activities to return by the following Tuesday.
